Friendship Spaghetti Pie

5. Bake

1. Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and cheese is bubbling.
2. For an extra-crisp top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the very end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

6. Rest and serve

1. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the pie set so slices hold together.
2. Run a knife around the edge; if using a springform, release the ring. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Slice like a pie and serve family-style.

Serving suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad (arugula + lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar).
• Offer red pepper flakes, extra grated Parmesan, and a vinegar-herb dipping oil on the side.
• A garlic bread or simple bruschetta pairs beautifully.

Variations & swaps

• Cheesy Four-Cheese Pie: Mix mozzarella, fontina, provolone, and Parmesan in the filling.
• Veggie-Forward: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant; fold into the sauce.
• White Sauce Option: Swap the tomato filling for a creamy béchamel with spinach and ricotta for a lighter-colored pie.
• Spicy: Add chopped Calabrian chiles or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make-ahead & storage

• Make ahead: Assemble the pie, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–8 minutes to baking time if cold.
• Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over low heat covered with a lid until warmed through.
• Freeze: Fully baked and cooled pie can be wrapped tightly and frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

Tips for success

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti—al dente keeps texture after baking.
• Drain pasta well; excess moisture = soggy crust.
• Press the spaghetti firmly into the pan so the crust binds when baked.
• Let the pie rest before slicing; it’ll hold its shape much better.
• If you want neat slices, chill the pie 15–20 minutes after baking, then slice with a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry.

Quick troubleshooting

• Soggy bottom: Pasta wasn’t drained well or filling too wet—reduce sauce liquid or pre-thicken it.
• Crust falls apart: Not enough binder—next time increase eggs to 3 or add ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs to the crust mix.
• Cheesy but bland: Add a teaspoon of salt to the filling and more Parmesan for depth.

Friendship Spaghetti Pie is simple, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable—exactly the kind of dish that makes people smile around a table. Want a printable recipe card, a vegetarian version written out, or a few name ideas for a themed dinner (like “Movie Night Pie” or “Sunday Best Pie”)? I can do that next.